So, I don’t know about you, but I have, and I think most people have experienced moments in their life where they were suffering depression or just simply feeling sad for a period of time. Life suddenly isn’t the same anymore, and you don’t know why this is?

Let’s explore what it means, the definition of depression is when we experience feelings or emotional lows, labelled as severe despondency and dejection, that last more than a few days - this can affect and disrupt your whole life. For example, to name a few, your sleep, moods, relationships, energy and motivation, your work and appetite for life. Basically, you lose your zest your inner joy & happiness.

Firstly, I want to let you know something, that its more than ok to feel this way, there is nothing to be ashamed of, part of being a human being is we feel things such as emotions, one minute we are happy, the next sad, we have good days and bad days.

We encounter life situations, experiences, things can happen unexpectedly, and we are not going to know exactly how we will react or respond when it does happen. So, in a way not be prepared for the wave that just hit us.

So, start being kind to yourself today, the good news is you can get through this, and you don’t have to face this alone, there is so much help, information, support groups and a global community of people that are out there just waiting to hear from you and give you the support and encouragement you need.

Sadly, we live in a world where 1 in 3 people are suffering depression or anxiety, so if you think you’re the only one feeling this way, there are many others going through the same thing as you.

We are living in a digital age where the world is constantly evolving, moving faster and technology and processes how we used to do things are changing as we speak. To be honest with you most people are online connected more than ever before, so this means less time outdoors in the fresh air and just being in nature and things that make us feel calm and relaxed and happy.

Our brains and mental energy are being over stimulated with too much information at a very fast pace. This also includes social media platforms, has gone a little crazy with usage, which can create us feeling harder on ourselves and our expectations of ourselves and others, that we have to be a certain way to fit in.

I want to share with you some helpful tips to get you moving on the right track to fight the blues and depression and become a happier you today.

1. SELF-ACCEPTANCE

Don’t try and hide it, instead be strong and courageous and face it like a warrior. Have Self-Acceptance and acknowledge that you are feeling this way, say to yourself its normal and its ok, and that it will pass, and you will be feeling positive and happy in no time.

2. PRACTICE DAILY MINDFULNESS

Allow yourself to stop and be present to life, let go of any unwanted thoughts and feelings, and just be in the moment, let time stop. Focus on deep breathing exercises. Notice what is around you, touch, taste, sight and sound.

3. LET GO OF THE NEGATIVE SELF TALK

When we are in a state of depression, we are in a negative state of mind, including self-doubt, fear, anxiety, blame, negative and disempowering self-talk. Let it go and start focussing on turning it into positive self-talk.

Say to yourself every day

I am good enough

I can do this

I am worthy of a happy and positive life

4. TELL SOMEONE AND JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP

Depressed people tend to see the world in a negative way. So, don’t do this alone, reach and tell someone and make the positive start today by joining a group near you to support and encourage each other to get through the hard times. Remember it’s just one click away from making a positive change.

5. DO ONE THING EVERYDAY THAT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD

Ok so you might not feel like it but push through the self-talk and make a promise today that you will do one thing every day that makes you feel good and happy. This could be a physical activity where it involves moving your body, or a hobby. Let go of the depression in that moment and just enjoy the one thing.

Remember the only person that can change this is you, and you got this my friend.

Wishing you happiness, wellness and love today.

Note: It's also advisable to contact a mental health professional for help with depression and anxiety. If you are struggling there's a whole bunch of organizations out there that can help you.

About Jodi ParrisJodi Parris is a life coach, who has become known as ‘The Happiness Coach’. She is passionate about helping you create a life filled with true inner happiness so that you can fulfil your highest goals and dreams.

Prior to commencing her coaching career, Jodi was employed in the business sector in a variety of administrative and executive support roles for 20 years.

However, Jodi increasingly felt that there had to be more to a career and to life. She couldn’t escape a strong feeling a sense of having unrealised potential, which ultimately lead her to study life coaching. Having had a long-standing interest in personal development at a young age, this was the perfect fit for her.

(During this process, Jodi struggled with inner demons and wrote the eBook “30 Days To A Happier You”, to document a way of creating more happiness for both herself and others.) http://www.jodiparris.com/